Health Secretary Matt Hancock is now self-isolating and ‘not leaving until Sunday’

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock has revealed that he is self-isolating for the next six days after being “pinged” by the NHS coronavirus (COVID-19) app.

He confirmed his self-isolation period on social media this morning.

In a video posted to his Twitter account, Mr Hancock – who yesterday evening lead the televised Downing Street briefing on COVID-19 – said he would now be remaining at home at all times “until Sunday”.

He said: “Last night I was pinged by the NHS coronavirus app, so that means I’ll be self-isolating at home, not leaving the house at all, until Sunday. This self-isolation is perhaps the most important part of all the social distancing, because I know from the app that I’ve been close contact with somebody who’s tested positive.

“And this is how we break the chains of transmission.”

He continued: “So you must follow these rules, like I’m going to

“I’ve got to work from home for the next six days and together, by doing this, by following this and all the other panapoly of rules that we’ve had to put in place, we can get through this and beat this virus.”

At yesterday’s Downing Street press conference – where he appeared alongside Public Health England’s Dr Susan Hopkins and NHS England’s Professor Stephen Powis – Mr Hancock made a direct appeal to the public to stick to the rules set out as part of England’s third national lockdown.

As the roll out of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines continues across the UK, the Health Secretary said: “Don’t blow it now, we’re on the route out.

“We’re protecting the most vulnerable, we’re getting the virus under control.

“Together, I know that we can do it.”

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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.

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